Maureen Judge is a filmmaker and co-founder of the production company Makin’ Movies, whose recent documentary, ’17 And Life Doesn’t Wait’, explores the challenges of three teen girls. Her previous film, ‘My Millennial Life’, also centred around youth, won a 2017 Canadian Screen Award for Best Documentary Program. She is an adjunct professor at Sheridan.
What do you want our readers to know about you?
I’d like readers to know I make character-driven films, primarily about our lives as women, mothers, daughters and family members, and where they can watch them.
What would you like to see more of in the workplace?
More women in directing positions.
What characteristics and/or qualities do you admire in the women you work with?
The ability to embrace new ideas, have a creative vision, work hard, be loyal and have compassion for others.
What advice did you wish you were given earlier in your career?
Work hard, be confident and always strive to do your best.
How do you think COVID-19 will change the future of work for women?
It may work in favour of many women who work at home with young children. As a filmmaker, I spent many years working from home, which meant that I could be around for my young children and be there when they came home from school. I will add that I did have help. I was not always doing two jobs at once.
How do you think we can increase diversity in the workplace?
Diversity in the workplace can be increased through diverse hiring practises.
What is one example of a positive, memorable experience you’ve had in your career?
Having the opportunity to work with my children developing and creating a film.
What was one belief you had that you later realized was a myth?
When I started my career, I did not understand that being a woman in the 1980s would have an effect on my career path, but gradually realized that was not true and there remained a lot of work still need to achieve gender equality.
Why are you fabulous?
I have always felt the imposter syndrome and couldn’t put a name on it until I read Lean In when it first came out.
Where can people find you online?
Website: https://www.makinmovies.ca
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maureenjudge